La Trobe unveils reform plan

La
Trobe University has unveiled details of plans to revitalise and renew its
teaching and research activities.

In a
broad range of reforms, first detailed to some staff today, the University will
include a new simpler suite of courses, a range of curriculum reforms, a focus
on existing research strengths and innovation in teaching, including a greater
emphasis on blending face-to face with online learning.

La
Trobe Vice Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the package was the single
largest set of reforms proposed for the University in its 50 year history.

He said
many of the changes were first flagged in the University's 2012 strategic
document Future Ready and have been several years in the planning. The need for
change was also flagged with staff last year, due to factors including a
Federal Government efficiency dividend, rising costs and lower than expected rate
of student enrolments.

'La
Trobe is a quality University that has since its inception been making a real
difference to students and communities on issues that matter,' Professor Dewar
said.

'We
will continue to deliver in our areas of strength in teaching, research and
community engagement, but we will also modernise what we do and how we do it,
so we remain relevant and efficient.

'La
Trobe will continue to be a great University and these reforms will set us on a
path to a stronger future in a new era. We are revitalising ourselves for
another 50 years of teaching, intellectual enquiry and excellence.'

Some of
the other changes being proposed include:

The creation of five flagship Arts Degrees and new Education courses

A closer connection between health sciences teaching and clinical placements

A greater focus on student support services

Stronger teaching links with business and industry

More use of technology to foster learning teaching innovation and flexibility

The merger of five faculties to two colleges, 15 Schools to 11, and 48 Departments to 29

The streamlining and simplification of administrative functions such as IT and Finance

Other strategy
initiatives already in place at the University include the creation of early
access student entry schemes, updated curriculum, new student excellence
scholarships and building refurbishments.

Professor
Dewar said the reforms were well-considered and timely, given recent
announcements by the Federal Government.

'The
Australian university sector is entering a period of radical reform. We must
adapt to the likely reality of market de-regulation, reduced federal funding
and much greater competition both between universities and other tertiary
education providers – both public and private,' he said.

'In addition, we need to assure our students that we
are not passing on to them the costs of our own inefficiencies.'

He said
some of the proposals would mean a reduction in overall staff due to a
combination of factors, including efficiency improvements and a need for
different skills.

While most of the proposed changes are subject to staff consultation, it
is planned the vast bulk of staff will be retained. Some staff may have
different roles and responsibilities and clearer performance expectations that
more closely aligned to the University's strategy.

Some details of the
reforms are being put to staff for consultation over the next two weeks as part
of industrial requirements. Staff will then have up to a month to provide feedback
and make suggestions on the plans, which could ultimately change as a result.

It is hoped the bulk
of reforms will be in place before the 2015 university year. Teaching, research
activities and general university business continue throughout this period.

Professor
Dewar said the University was committed
to following all industrial processes as set out in the University's Collective Agreement.

'We
remain committed to our presence in regional Victoria, to offering our students
a quality education, producing the highest standards of research and intellectual
inquiry, and encouraging equitable access to a university education for
Victorians from all walks of life,' he said.